The effects of stem length on root initiation in sequential single-node cuttings ofTriplochiton scleroxylonK. Schum

Abstract

SummaryWhen single-node T. scleroxylon cuttings were cut sequentially to increase in length either acropetally or basipetally, percentage rooting and number of roots per rooted cutting were positively related to cutting length. Percentage rooting was usually more strongly correlated with cutting length than with the number of roots per rooted cutting. The relationship between cutting length and percentage rooting was stronger when cuttings increased in length acropetally than with basipetal increases. When cuttings from all node positions were cut to the same length their position of origin strongly influenced their rooting ability. From the separation of probable direct and indirect effects of cutting length and node position, it was clear that the length of single-node cuttings is a major determinant of their rooting ability.